[Kakizome] Four-character idioms fit for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings
Are you thinking about what words to write for your first calligraphy of the year? Four-character idioms, which are popular every year, pack deep meaning into just a few characters and are perfect for expressing New Year’s resolutions.
Still, many people may wonder, “Which idiom should I choose?” In this article, we’ll introduce four-character idioms that are well-suited for the first calligraphy of the year.
From bold, striking phrases to words that fit your New Year’s determination, find the expression that’s just right for you.
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[Kakizome] Four-character idioms suitable for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings (81–90)
Good fortune comes to a smiling household.
From people who are always smiling, you may sense a warm, magnetic aura.
Perhaps such an aura captivates not only people but even the gods.
Those who radiate brightness through their laughter often have the power to repel difficulties and crises.
Life isn’t all fun and games, but we’d like to spend as much of it as possible with a smile, wouldn’t we? There are even medical findings suggesting that laughter can boost immunity and activate the brain.
to devote oneself body and soul; to make every possible effort; with utmost dedication
It is a phrase that means to put forth every ounce of effort, to the point of grinding your bones and exhausting yourself.
It symbolizes an attitude of using all the strength you have and never giving up until the very end, conveying strong determination and passion.
Despite being only four characters long, it expresses the importance of effort and seriousness.
For elementary school students, it teaches the mindset of giving their all in daily club activities and competitions.
It is a phrase that reminds us to take one step at a time and do our utmost even when facing difficulties.
watching like a tiger for the chance; biding one’s time with a predatory eye (waiting for the perfect moment to strike)
It’s a phrase that means waiting for the right moment while watching for an opportunity, like a tiger intently stalking its prey.
You can feel the quiet yet precise focus it conveys.
It emphasizes the importance of staying alert and preparing thoroughly.
Though short, it carries a strong sense of both concentration and composure.
As a phrase that symbolizes careful readiness toward a goal or opportunity and the strong will to achieve it, it gives an inspiring, upright feeling just by hearing it.
It’s a powerful four-character idiom that even teaches elementary school children the importance of patience when preparing to pursue their goals.
The achievement attained through diligent study by lamplight—success won by hard, persistent effort
A four-character idiom derived from a Chinese classical anecdote.
It’s read as “keisetsu no kō,” and it carries the meaning that if you keep persevering and working hard, success awaits you in the end.
While you’re in the midst of making an effort, there are times when even you don’t notice your small steps of growth.
It’s an idiom with a message you’d want to convey when someone is struggling and on the verge of losing heart.
As you steadily work toward your goal, there will be moments when you feel like leaning on someone.
These are words that gently wrap around your feelings at such times.
trial and error
A four-character idiom that many people know.
It’s read as “shikō sakugo,” and it seems to mean repeatedly trying various methods, accumulating failures, and pursuing a solution.
Failure is part and parcel of taking on challenges, and there are moments when results don’t keep pace even with continued effort.
However, if you look at life from a long-term perspective, you could say that experiencing a single example means you’re still in the process of exploring solutions.
It’s best to adjust your approach and find a path that suits you.
enterprising and proactive
A four-character idiom that overlaps with the image of a child heading straight toward a goal.
It’s read “shinshu-kakan.” “進取 (shinshu)” refers to proactively tackling things on one’s own initiative, and “果敢 (kakan)” means being decisive and acting boldly.
Combined, the idiom expresses an attitude of actively taking on new challenges and moving into action without hesitation.
Seeing a child’s earnest effort can fire up their guardians as well.
Even then, it’s best to watch over them while keeping a calm, unhurried mindset.
lightning speed
It’s a term that expresses extremely fast movement, like a flash of lightning or a sudden spark.
In sports, it’s perfect for describing quick reactions and agile play.
Whether you’re stealing the ball in soccer before your opponent or sprinting swiftly across the bases in baseball, keeping this word in mind will sharpen your movements.
In cheering, its energetic image spreads to teammates, helping the whole team approach the game with a sense of speed.
Make it your daily practice motto, and it will boost your motivation to improve explosiveness.
It’s a reliable four-character idiom that gives you a push when you need to focus.
fiery and high-spirited; brimming with passionate enthusiasm
It’s a word that describes a state where strong spirit and momentum flare up like a rising flame.
In sports, it’s perfect for the moment when you’re full of motivation and ready to give it your all.
If you say it before a match, both you and your teammates will feel fired up and get off to a great start.
Used during cheering, it conveys the desire to get everyone hyped, spreading energy throughout the team.
Especially in adversity, it reminds you not to give up and stirs the strength to see things through to the end.
When striving toward a goal, it becomes a powerful ally that rallies your resolve.
One good deed a day
It’s a phrase that means “Do one good deed a day.” It can be something small.
For example, saying “thank you” to a friend or helping someone who’s having trouble on the street are both good deeds.
By doing even one good thing each day, you and the people around you will feel happier.
Your heart feels lighter, and you feel more energized.
If someone at school is struggling and you think, “I’ll help!”, that’s also “one good deed a day.” As you build up small acts of kindness every day, the world becomes more joyful and happy.
Keep “one good deed a day” in your heart, and spend each day with a smile.
with all one’s might
This is a phrase that expresses giving your all.
“Isshō” refers to one’s lifetime, and “kenmei” means to tackle something so seriously that you’d stake your life on it.
In other words, it means to devote yourself wholeheartedly, using all your strength.
For example, you can say, “I studied really hard to get a good score on the test,” or “I worked very hard at my job.” When you give your best effort, you’ll be able to do things you couldn’t before and gain confidence.
Even if you fail, continuing without giving up will make your heart stronger and brighter.
When you take on a challenge, try approaching it with all your might.
If you do, each day will become more enjoyable and you’ll feel more excited!